About this project

WHAT IS IT?

The Choosatron is a fun kit that easily assembles into a small interactive fiction game box, great for social reading and playing. As you play, you make decisions that affect the outcome of the story, and your journey is printed on a keepsake paper scroll. You'll be able to write your own stories as well, using open and free software. Download new stories over Wi-Fi, and share your own stories with other over the internet. Save your unique stories right on the provided SD card. Inspiring for kids, exciting for adults!

I’ve recruited brilliant writers (listed below) to ensure you and your friends will have dozens of stories to play the moment you get your Choosatron. Bill Corbett and Kevin Murphy (both of RiffTrax and MST3K fame) are just two of the amazing writers creating stories just for the Choosatron!

Using the Spark Core Wi-Fi development kit, a thermal printer, and some serious brain wrinkling, I’ve created a platform accessible for everyone to make, play, write, and learn with! It’s Arduino-compatible and totally hackable so as you learn more, the possibilities grow with your imagination.

For more details about each stretch goal, click the images, OR scroll to the very bottom of the page above Risks and Challenges.

Discover a new way to read. The quick-play stories in the Choosatron invite social reading.

Its portability makes the Choosatron a perfect ice-breaker for social gatherings, caffeinated coffee shops, or alcohol-fueled bar trips!

For the young (at heart): Have you ever read a story twice and had it change? It’s crazy fun!

Get to a gruesome ending? Use the finger-in-page “Continue” feature to jump back through your choices.

It’s tactile; don’t you miss technology with physicality? Like a Polaroid camera with its satisfying click and whir before spitting out a frozen moment of your life! Keep snapshots of your adventures to share as the Choosatron prints each story told on an inkless thermal printer.

WRITING and DESIGNING

Write and share your own Choosatron stories with your friends!

The Choosatron encourages writing arcade-like experiences.

Explore topics from meaningful, to frightful! A hilarious story exploring divorce, or sad story involving jetpacks! Wait...

Features beyond what a paper book can provide, such as a dynamic point system, variables, ending quality, continues, and more!

Currently using Twine, we will creating a new web based writing platform that uses Wi-Fi for easily sending stories to your Choosatron, and sharing with others in the cloud!

Inkless thermal printer for output, on-board memory for holding stories, and a keypad for input.

Program over wireless or use the microUSB port.

OPEN SOURCE: everyone will have access to the software and hardware design files, building upon the platform I created and taking the Choosatron to new heights!

Assemble a fully functional Choosatron with a screwdriver in less than 10 minutes.

An RGB LED and piezo speaker included for expanding user feedback, or just adding style to your Choosatron.

A Spark Core you can pull out and prototype your own creations with!

First Choosatron Circuit Board Prototype

The Choosatron began as an homage to the beloved Choose Your Own Adventure® stories of my childhood and my love of arcades. What resulted is a social reading game. When I showed it to friends, their eyes would light up. I was amazed how much it brought out the inner child of whoever played it. To my surprise and delight, after its first public appearance, I was asked to teach a class, featuring The Choosatron, at the Loft.

Created for kids of all ages, the Choosatron has already inspired some amazing social connections, and hilarious stories! I want the Choosatron to get a wider audience, so everyone can enjoy the hands on experience and the joy of writing and sharing their own tale.

EASY TO ASSEMBLE, EASIER TO PLAY!

Prototype Kit

We are simplifying our case design from the above so it will snap together, with just a few screws to keep it secure.

No wiring or soldering needed! Adults AND kids will be able to assemble it in less than 10 minutes. The keypad and printer cables plug neatly in, and the Spark Core will press right into the board.

The Wi-Fi connection means it will be possible to share and download additional stories without purchase of additional hardware.

All stories will be compiled into a single super Choosatron book, available as a reward. The print book may not be available for sale after the Kickstarter so don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of something wonderful!

POWERED BY SPARK

In May 2013, the team at Spark Devices launched the Spark Core, an Arduino-compatible Wi-Fi development kit, on Kickstarter. I met the Spark team at their homecoming party here in Minneapolis, and there was major enthusiasm from both sides about the Choosatron and Spark Core. It was a perfect fit! After working with their team, I’m proud to announce that the Choosatron will now be built on the Spark platform, including a Spark Core as part of the kit - a $39 value!

By adding Wi-Fi and Spark we've expanded the possibilities:

group vote choices via mobile devices at an event

capture and visualize how people play your stories

swap out the stories for different occasions - you don't need wireless to play!

over-the-shoulder mode to say live play on your mobile

manage multiple Choosatrons, and so much more!

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

The Choosatron isn’t just an idea. It is here. After three prototypes over the last year, the first kit has been developed to be affordable, easy to assemble, and friendly to modifying both hardware and software.

Money will go toward:

Getting the Choosatron into everyone’s hands!

Recouping the development costs from prior to this Kickstarter. I've been funding the Choosatron development myself because I believe in the impact the project can have.

Paying authors for their talent and time.

Design 2 of the Choosatron board: smaller, smarter, and more cost effective!

Design 2 of the Choosatron enclosure: more fun, approachable, functional, and more attention to design!

Build the new Choosatron software platform on the Spark Cloud so writing and sharing stories is as simple as possible.

Preparing hardware and software files for open sourcing, including documentation to make it as accessible as possible.

New features and enhancements to the Choosatron firmware, so authors have more options for how they design their stories.

REWARD DETAILS

Any additions to the rewards will be outlined here since rewards can’t be edited. I’ll also give more details about some of the rewards to make sure they are clear.

REWARD ADD-ONs

Paper Refills: Refills are 5 rolls for $20, and 9 for $30 and are BPA free. You can order as many paper refills, appropriate to your reward level, as you like. Just keep multiplying the cost of the refill, and add that to your funding total. Rolls are 2 1/4" wide and 85 feet long.

International Paper Refills: Any paper roll order starts with a base of $4. For each roll, add another $5. These are also 85 feet and BPA free. If you are planning on ordering a larger quantity, message me and I may be able to price better. Just add this amount to your pledge and we'll figure it out in the survey after the Kickstarter.

(quantity x $5) + $4 = total

Order 1 roll: (1 x $5) + $4 = $9 (not a great deal)

Order 5 rolls: (5 x $5) + $4 = $29 (that isn't too bad!)

Print Choosatron Book: Add only $29 to any reward that includes a CHOOSATRON KIT to get the print book as well. That’s $10 off the book only reward! Add $34 to get the print book SIGNED. (shipped separately, add $20 to ship outside the US)

Shipping: Don’t forget to add shipping if you are not in the US! Costs are listed at the bottom of each reward description, and in the details above.

Have an idea or opportunity you’d like to discuss?

Email me! I think the Choosatron has a lot of great opportunities, and I’d love to discuss any you might have in mind. For my sake, please send as many details as possible. Thanks!

WHO IS JERRY BELICH?

I’m a software developer of over ten years, currently the senior mobile developer at Clockwork in Minneapolis, MN. I love game design, storytelling, play a mean theremin, stay involved in local theatre as an actor, director, and comedian, and dabble in sweding movies.

I’ve had an eclectic career using technology as my creative tool:

I was one of only three developers who created environmental software that runs/syncs 384 screens inside one of the largest/newest casinos in Las Vegas.

I worked for Ray Bradbury as the director of digital effects for the first stage production of Fahrenheit 451 (one of the most HOLY CRAP THIS IS AWESOME times of my life)

I integrated video and stage at the Ordway’s Rocky Horror Picture Show in St. Paul, MN

Over the last year, while developing the Choosatron, I’ve also been consulting as a professional engineer and storyteller for public spaces, such as exhibits at the Minnesota History Center. I taught a class at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis in August 2013, about interactive fiction and creative writing, where each student built their own Choosatron. Contact me to learn about education related opportunities!

I want to use what I’ve learned through years of research and experience to create a platform that takes storytelling everywhere we go. The Choosatron is my first big step towards bringing invention and storytelling hand-in-hand to a new generation.

WHEN WILL I GET MY CHOOSATRON?

Most rewards are currently promised for quarter one of next year. I am working with vetted sources for both manufacturing and distribution to ensure that kits can be produced on a large scale and in a timely manner. Now that the Choosatron is powered by Spark Core, I also have the support of their brilliant team, and can benefit from their first hand work in China. As soon as final designs are sent (within a few weeks of this ending), I will be able to update all of you on how many units will ship by what dates.

In a nutshell:

During Kickstarter: Estimates for the Spark Powered iteration of the Choosatron will be received, prototypes ordered.

August 30th: Kickstarter ends.

- Story editing begins.

- Hardware enhancements (if any from stretch goals) begin.

September 13th: Kickstarter releases the funding to me.

- Complete designs and develop test plan.

October 1st: Choosatron author story drafts due.

October 15th: Final stories will be due, book prep in full swing.

Development of kits underway by now, updates flowing forth!

Legal notice: Choose Your Own Adventure® is a registered trademark of Chooseco LLC.

Risks and challenges

The Choosatron hardware and software have been functional since last summer, and even survived a five week trip to the UK. I’ve had feedback from hundreds of people to help make this kit as fun, versatile, and affordable as possible, while still leaving room to fund further development. I’ve worked in tech professionally for over ten years, have run my own business for over eight, and have had the support of at least half a dozen Kickstarter veterans (including the wonderful people at Spark Devices, go get one!) and frankly, I’m known for completing epic and difficult projects because I LOVE IT. I’m no stranger to managing teams and intense deadlines.

Although it’s my first foray into manufacturing, the companies involved are all proven in both reputation and quality, both through fellow Kickstarters and elsewhere. I have been fastidious about reducing cost and waste, and developing a distribution relationship so you aren’t stuck waiting for me to pack and ship boxes.

The concept for the Choosatron has been proven both functionally and with many happy audiences, as well as engaging kids in an exciting way. I have gone through four functioning prototypes, one being the first iteration of the kit for this Kickstarter, with the second on its way, and its time for this little bird to fly!

The minimum funding will be enough to improve and refine the existing designs and create a better user experience, especially for the younger audience. Base funding will focus on quality, rather than adding lots of extra features and letting scope creep cripple progress. As soon as that goal is met, we can all start getting creative about what happens next!

As for the book, the risk is handling a bunch of writers that may or may not hit their deadlines! They have all been provided a lot of content and guidance to get the ball rolling, and have their deadlines for providing me drafts, and final version. It’s possible some authors disappear, but others will surely end up taking their place. I also have friends that have self-published many times, and a GREAT editor, so I feel pretty good about it!

It can vary based on the story, but for most of the stories I've written, plays will vary from less than a foot, with long plays around two and a half feet, maybe three. With 85 foot long rolls, this can mean anywhere from 30 to 100+ plays. It's more than you'd think!

Yes. All the stories written by the authors on this page, as well as additional stories, will all be available to download and play for free on your Choosatron, as well as included in the linear book of Choosatron stories.

If playing and writing choice based narrative isn't your thing, remember it is completely programmable. The Choosatron is a great piece of hardware for making all sorts of games or tools. How about a tabletop game where the event cards are printed out as you play? We're already working on other fun uses ourselves!

There is a slot in the (optional) front cutout panel. The wooden unit in the picture has it attached. You'll be able to print out fun faces using the Choosatron, and slip the new face in from the side. You can even draw a face yourself and use that!

Rewards

Pledge $10 or more

Pledge $25 or more

DIGITAL MAVERICK: All digital rewards! Includes the CHOOSATRON ADVENTURES ebook, Choosatron desktop/phone backgrounds, all hardware design files, laser cutting files, funder status on the Choosatron Cloud Platform, and more! Check REWARD DETAILS section for updates. Also, your name added to the website and book as a funder!

Estimated delivery:Jan 2014

You selected

Pledge $39 or more

18 backers

CHOOSATRON ADVENTURE BOOK: Get all the stories by the creator and contributing authors collected into a traditional page-flipping Choosatron Story Collection book, a Choosatron Bookmark, and more! (+ all DIGITAL MAVERICK rewards!)

Estimated delivery:Jan 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $49 or more

6 backers
Limited (94 left of 100)

SIGNED CHOOSATRON BOOK: Get the CHOOSATRON ADVENTURE BOOK reward but SIGNED by the creator and more! (+ all DIGITAL MAVERICK rewards!)

Estimated delivery:Jan 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $129 or more

50 backers
All gone!

EARLY BIRD CHOOSATRON: Get the CHOOSATRON KIT reward below at the early bird price! (+ all DIGITAL MAVERICK rewards!)

Pledge $149 or more

160 backers

CLEAR CASE KIT: Everything from the CHOOSATRON KIT reward, but the case is clear acrylic so you can see all its guts! The on-board full-color LED looks amazing in this! (+ all DIGITAL MAVERICK rewards!) PAPER REFILLS: Add $20 for 5, $30 for 9 rolls (see reward add-ons for int'l shipping).

Pledge $219 or more

8 backers
Limited (22 left of 30)

PERSONALIZED CHARACTER: Get a CLEAR CHOOSATRON KIT + name a character in a yet-to-be-written story that will be free for all funders. PG rated name, 26 character limit. (+ all DIGITAL MAVERICK rewards!) PAPER REFILLS: Add $20 for 5, $30 for 9 rolls (see reward add-ons for int'l shipping).

Pledge $449 or more

1 backer
Limited (9 left of 10)

CHOOSATRON PARTY: Are you local to Minneapolis, Minneapolis or willing to travel? Come party with us in November to celebrate the Choosatron! Hang out with the project team, as well as local talents, play the first Choosatrons, and enjoy themed treats! (KIT provided in person if we are able, party date will be a Saturday evening).

Estimated delivery:Nov 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $499 or more

4 backers
Limited (21 left of 25)

ARCADE CHOOSATRON KIT: I will build you a special Choosatron with a functioning coin acceptor (can be configured to take one type of coin), coin reject slot, and coin collection tray, along with a SIGNED CHOOSATRON BOOK (mailed when books go out). PAPER REFILLS: Add $20 for 5, $30 for 9 rolls (see reward add-ons for int'l shipping).

Estimated delivery:Jan 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $999 or more

2 backers
Limited (3 left of 5)

CHOOSATRON FOUNDER: I will build you a Special Edition Choosatron and get it to you in November, laser engraved with its unique name and number. Wood or clear, special beta access, signed, a few surprises ONLY for this reward level, and a SIGNED CHOOSATRON BOOK (mailed when books go out). PAPER REFILLS: Add $20 for 5, $30 for 9 rolls (see reward add-ons for int'l shipping).

Estimated delivery:Jan 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $1,500 or more

0 backers
Limited (5 left of 5)

SPONSOR A TALK: Get a CHOOSATRON KIT + Jerry Belich (creator) will visit your classroom or event to talk about the Choosatron project/future of storytelling/interactive fiction or any other topic related to his work. Travel not included. NOTE: If you're not in Minneapolis, contact me and we'll figure it out! (+ all DIGITAL MAVERICK rewards!)

Estimated delivery:Jan 2014

You selected

Pledge $3,000 or more

0 backers
Limited (5 left of 5)

SPONSOR A WORKSHOP: Jerry Belich (creator) will visit your classroom or event for a half day workshop, and bring you 10 full CHOOSATRON KITS. Travel not included. NOTE: If you're not in Minneapolis, contact me and we'll figure it out! Also, your name added to the website and book as a funder!

Estimated delivery:Jan 2014

Funding period

Jul 29, 2013 - Aug 30, 2013
(32 days)

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